|
I think NASA will continue to putter along at its current pace. It seems that pretty much after the moon landing NASA started to loose momentum. The public in general doesn't seem to care much about the program and that genrally the problem. Except for a quick burst of suuport when the first Mars rover landed NASA hasn't had any overwhelming public support. Its not a problem with NASA its just common folks don't care about Ant Colonies in micro-gravity.
I think if the US gets some competition then the people will get involved again. Early next year when the 3 probes start to land on Mars NASA will get some public support. People may be dissapointed when Europe gets there first but once are 2 Rovers start driving circles around Europe's lander the public will booster support for NASA, at least for a while.
Every now and again I here about China trying to get into space. The only problem is there rockets aren't very reliable. My estimate is that they could get a man on the moon in about 4 years. However if they start getting close I think people may start to push NASA to go back to the moon, if for no other reason than to make sure the flag we placed there 34 years ago is still waving.
Basically I think NASA future depends on competition. If other countries start to do things in space, the public will encourage NASA to do them better, just for the sake of showing whos better.
|